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Computer Science at Pacific Lutheran University

Tacoma, WA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Computer and Information Sciences, General
76 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
77
Optimistic
76
Base Case
69
Pessimistic
Earnings $78,055/yr (25% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (69% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (338,800 openings/yr)
ROI 4.7x earnings multiple
Ranked #240 of 443 Computer and Information Sciences, General programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Computer Science graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption		 Base Case
Gradual AI		 Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $997K $956K $729K
Earnings Multiple 4.9x 4.7x 3.6x
Probability of Field Employment 80% 74% 42%
DegreeOutlook Score 77 76 69

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$203,856
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$85,480
58% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,534
3.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$105,430
35% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Pacific Lutheran University's Computer Science graduates start at $78,055/yr — above the $62,617 national average, though not by a wide margin.

The 4.7x return on tuition is positive but not overwhelming. Financial outcomes depend on keeping costs close to in-state rates.

AI risk is moderate — 69% task exposure — and the 27% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $23,534 in median debt clears quickly against $78,055 in annual earnings.

At #240 out of 443 programs, Pacific Lutheran University's financial outcomes for Computer Science trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $78,055 to $105,430 shows 35% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

About Pacific Lutheran University

A 81% acceptance rate means Pacific Lutheran University is accessible to most applicants, a smaller institution with 2,350 students in Tacoma, WA. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $85,480 — 58% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Pacific Lutheran University →

Top Career Paths

Computer and information systems managers $171,200/yr
Computer and information research scientists $140,910/yr
Database architects $135,980/yr
View all 14 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Compare this program → View all 443 schools offering Computer Science →

Computer Science at Other Schools

University of Pennsylvania ($146,204) University of California-Los Angeles ($136,099) Yale University ($133,293) Rice University ($131,154) Northeastern University ($115,587) Northeastern University Professional Programs ($115,587) University of Michigan-Ann Arbor ($113,634) University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign ($113,503)

Other Majors at Pacific Lutheran University

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($81,761) Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas ($57,683) Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($57,624) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($52,919) Chemistry ($44,555) Economics ($43,806) Political Science and Government ($41,518) Biology, General ($36,766)

Consider the Trade Route?

Compare Computer Science trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Pacific Lutheran University's Computer Science program score?
A score of 76/100 reflects decent absolute metrics, but Pacific Lutheran University trails the majority of Computer Science programs on relative rankings. Context matters more than the raw number.
How vulnerable is Computer Science to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Computer Science careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 69% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
How affordable is Computer Science at Pacific Lutheran University after financial aid?
Sticker price is $203,856, but the average net cost is $85,480 — a 58% discount. For students who qualify for aid, this program is considerably more affordable than it appears.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →